Woodstock approves extra funds toward Old Courthouse dome

WOODSTOCK – Rotted portions of the Old Courthouse cupola will require some unanticipated funds as the contractor restarts work on the structure as weather warms.

The Woodstock City Council on Tuesday approved three change orders totaling about $16,000 that will go toward repairing and replacing dilapidated portions of the dome.

While the expenditures weren't anticipated when bids were collected for the work, such additions are common in these types of projects, City Planner Nancy Baker said. More minor changes could be forthcoming as the contractor continues to uncover portions of the cupola, she added.

"Like any old structure, the more work we do, the more problems we seem to find," Director of Community and Economic Development Cort Carlson said.

The roof and dome restoration – a $376,000 project approved in October – is off to a slow start thanks to an immediately and consistently cold winter.

"We'd hoped they'd be able to do more on the dome part," Baker said.

Baker said the project is still in line to meet its scheduled completion by the end of June.

The dome and cupola restoration is part of a $4.7-million plan to repair the Old Courthouse and Sheriff's House. The city, which originally planned to complete about $2 million in repairs before selling to a private party, has since decided to seek ownership interest earlier in the process.

A request for proposals went out in January. Proposals are due by May 1.